A healthy eye-care routine sometimes calls for eye drops to help fight infection, promote healing, or simply to provide hydration and comfort for dry, tired eyes. Most drops are designed to take effect immediately upon contact with the eyeball, hence the benefit of applying them topically
How to Put in Eye Drops Properly
Moistening your eyes with eye drops or sprays can be an essential part of a healthy eye-care routine. Whether you’re treating an infection, supporting healing, or simply relieving dry, tired eyes, eye drops are designed to work quickly and effectively when applied directly to the eye.
However, many people find using eye drops uncomfortable or awkward—and sometimes a little messy. In this guide, we’ll explain why eye drops are used, which conditions may require them, and provide step-by-step instructions to make application easier and stress-free.
Why Eye Drops Are Used
Eye drops are commonly prescribed or recommended to:
Fight eye infections
Reduce inflammation or redness
Relieve allergy symptoms
Lubricate dry or tired eyes
Manage chronic eye conditions
Because eye drops act directly on the surface of the eye, they often provide immediate relief, making them more effective for eye conditions than oral medications.
Conditions That May Require Eye Drops
Your eye doctor, optician, or pharmacist may recommend eye drops for a variety of conditions, including:
Glaucoma
Treatment may involve one or more types of prescription eye drops. If you are prescribed multiple drops, follow instructions carefully, as they may need to be applied in a specific order or at certain times of day.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
This common eye infection is often treated with antibiotic eye drops. You’ll usually be advised to avoid contact lenses until the infection has fully cleared.
Allergies
Seasonal allergies caused by pollen, dust, or pet dander can lead to itchy, red, and watery eyes. Antihistamine eye drops can help relieve these symptoms, and many are available without a prescription.
Dry Eyes & Screen Fatigue
Excessive screen time can cause computer vision syndrome, leading to dry, tired eyes. Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can provide relief. It’s often helpful to keep a bottle handy—at work, in your bag, or at home.
How to Put in Eye Drops: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to apply eye drops correctly:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them with a clean, lint-free towel.
Remove glasses or contact lenses, unless the drops are specifically designed for contact lens wearers.
Tilt your head back or lie down.
Using one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
Hold the dropper about 1 inch above your eye, pointing downward.
Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket.
Apply the number of drops prescribed or indicated on the packaging.
Close your eyes for a few seconds to allow the drops to absorb before blinking.
Tips If You Find Eye Drops Difficult
If you struggle with eye drops, you’re not alone. These tips can help:
Practice makes perfect: Try practising with artificial tears to improve your technique.
Lie down instead of tilting your head back—many people find this easier.
Use a mirror to help with aiming.
Ask for help: A friend or family member can assist with application if needed.
Still need extra help? Why not try our EziDrops eye drop applicator
How to Put Eye Drops in for Children & Babies
Applying eye drops to children can be tricky, but these methods may help:
Have your child lie down to keep them still.
Gently pull down the lower eyelid and ask them to look up.
Apply the drops into the gap between the eyelid and eyeball.
Ask your child to blink a few times to spread the drops evenly.
Alternative method:
With the child lying down and eyes closed, place the drops in the inner corner of the eye. When they open their eyes, the drops will usually flow in. Ask your eye-care professional if this method is suitable.
Final Safety Reminders
Check expiry dates and never use eye drops past their expiration.
Follow storage instructions—some drops need refrigeration, others don’t.
Never touch the dropper tip to your eye, fingers, or any surface.
Consider single-use (mono-dose) eye drops for extra hygiene, especially for dry eyes.
After use, gently blot excess liquid, avoiding contact with the eye itself.
Some eye drops or gels may cause temporary blurred vision—always check how long to wait before driving or operating machinery.
Looking After Your Eyes
Using eye drops correctly can make a big difference to your eye comfort and overall eye health. If you’re unsure which drops are right for you, or how often to use them, always speak to your pharmacist, optician, or doctor.